Council supports interim heritage order for key suburbs

Published on 19 July 2024

Ku-ring-gai Council has resolved to seek NSW Government support for an interim heritage order (IHO) within 400m of Roseville, Lindfield, Killara and Gordon stations, while the Council undertakes planning studies for new housing in these precincts.

The decision to seek the interim heritage order was made at the Council’s July meeting this week. If implemented, an interim heritage order would offer temporary legal protection to properties within 23 heritage conservation areas.

The interim heritage order would require approval by the NSW Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe.

Ku-ring-gai Council has previously committed to undertaking housing studies in the four station precincts, with these studies likely to be exhibited in late 2024 and then returned to Councillors for a decision by February 2025.

Speaking after the meeting Mayor Sam Ngai said the Council recognised the need to deliver additional housing in these precincts, but it needed to be properly planned.

“The uplift required by the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) policy is far greater than anything previously requested by the NSW Government.”

“In 2020, our draft plans for these precincts involved 3,700 new homes but we are now required to deliver 20,000 new dwellings. Our infrastructure plans need significant rework to give these new residents the infrastructure and amenities that they deserve.”

“However, this TOD policy bypasses proper planning by indiscriminately allowing 6-9 storeys with no regard to any existing natural or built environment. This includes our Federation and Inter-war heritage conservation areas which are incompatible with 6-9 storeys.”

Mayor Ngai said that Council is identifying alternate infrastructure and dwelling-distribution scenarios which may provide longer term protections to heritage while simultaneously increasing the liveability, viability, and speed of delivery of housing in the area.

“We will be seeking your input from October and provide residents with certainty through a decision early next year. But until then, our heritage conservations areas are under threat.”

“Our Heritage Reference Committee recommended an interim heritage order to temporarily protect these areas until a decision is made, and Council has voted to support the recommendation.”

“It is a sensible short-term measure which creates (in part) a similar effect to the deferred commencement that the NSW Government has given to other councils. All that we need now is a Heritage Minister who demonstrates her commitment to heritage.”

For further information on the NSW TOD policy and Ku-ring-gai Council’s response, go to www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Planning-and-development/Changes-to-NSW-Government-housing-policy/Transport-Oriented-Development

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Media enquiries: Ku-ring-gai Council media@krg.nsw.gov..au or 9424 0000.